Jockey has died after fall at Charing Racecourse
Legendary trainer Paul Nicholl's says he's "mortified" after the death of Keagan Kirkby
Last updated 5th Feb 2024
A jockey has died after falling from a horse at a race in Kent.
Keagan Kirkby, 25, was riding in the Charing point-to-point on Sunday when he was thrown from his horse.
During the final race, his horse veered off course and ran into the side of a jump.
He was treated by an on-course medical team and the air ambulance but died from his injuries.
Kirkby worked for leading trainer Paul Nicholl who has said he has been left 'mortified' by his death.
Kirkby joined Paul Nicholls' stables - near the village of Ditcheat, Somerset - in 2019.
This year was shortlisted for an industry-wide employees' award - the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards in the Rider / Groom category 2024.
The Injured Jockeys Fund confirmed the horse ran through the wing of a jump during the final race of the event in a statement on their website.
BHA Chief Executive Julie Harrington issued the following statement:
“We are devastated to hear the tragic news regarding the fatal injuries sustained by Keagan Kirkby. Our thoughts are with his family and friends, and everyone at the yard of Paul Nicholls.
"The entire Racing industry will be in mourning at the loss of someone so young and with such potential.
“The esteem in which he was held is clear from the fact that he was nominated for the Rider/Groom category of the 2024 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, and made it through to the final 10 in his category. The nomination spoke of Keagan’s qualities as a thoughtful rider who develops a personal bond with his horses, understands their characters and adapts his riding accordingly, as well as his affable, helpful nature and popularity on the yard.
“We call on everyone to respect the privacy of Keagan’s family and the Paul Nicholls yard".